Broken Arrow Municipal Authority Receives $21,450,000 Loan from the OWRB for Water and Wastewater System Improvements
OKLAHOMA CITY – Broken Arrow Municipal Authority (Authority) received approval for a $21,450,000 Financial Assistance Program (FAP) loan Tuesday from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) to improve their water and wastewater infrastructures.
The Broken Arrow Municipal Authority (BAMA) is investing $21.45 million in vital upgrades to its aging water and wastewater systems. This comprehensive project includes planning, design, and construction to address critical infrastructure needs across the city. Key efforts involve replacing outdated sewer lines, enhancing waterlines in Old Town, expanding the Verdigris Water Treatment Plant, and evaluating new water sources. Collaborative work with the Regional Municipal Utilities Authority (RMUA) will also improve the Haikey Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Additional upgrades include manhole replacements, lift station improvements, and building interconnections with neighboring water systems including Bixby and Wagoner County Rural Water District No. 4 for greater reliability during emergencies and low water availability. These initiatives aim to enhance service quality and support future growth in Broken Arrow.
According to Lori Johnson, chief of the OWRB’s Financial Assistance Division, the Authority’s customers will save an estimated $349,400.00 over the life of the 30-year loan compared to traditional financing. The loan will be secured with a lien on the Authority’s water, sewer, and sanitation revenues, a one cent sales tax, and may include a mortgage on the water and sewer systems.
Local officials attending the OWRB’s monthly meeting in support of the loan application included Cindy Arnold, Finance Director for the City of Broken Arrow. “We appreciate the Board’s consideration for this loan,” said Arnold. “We want to thank you for all that you do for us. You are a great partner, and we could not do this without you.”
“We are grateful to Oklahoma Legislators from the Broken Arrow area for their continued support of our financial assistance programs,” said Julie Cunningham, Executive Director of the OWRB.
Since 1983, the Oklahoma Water Resources Board has approved over $7.5 billion in loans and grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements throughout Oklahoma.
